GINETTE MICHEL - Northumberland & Northeast

The Ginette Michel, a trawler sunk suddenly in 1981, is a proper wreck dive for a quick Northumberland fix. At just 9 metres, it’s not deep, meaning extended bottom times and plenty of light to pick out details. We love that you can still feel the urgency of its sinking; the wheelhouse is a tangled mess, almost as if it imploded. It’s a relatively small wreck at 15.8m, but the way it rests, slightly askew, creates interesting nooks. You’ll spot the usual suspects here – plenty of small wrasse darting between the deck plating, often a few lobsters tucked into any crevice they can find, and the odd conger eel peeking out from under more substantial sections. For photographers, the ambient light filtering through the clear water on a good day illuminates the encrusting anemones and soft corals beautifully. It’s a great site for newer wreck divers looking to get a feel for penetration, or for experienced divers wanting a relaxed dive with a bit of history. We’d suggest going at slack tide; the currents here can pick up and make hovering around the superstructure a bit of a workout.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.998913, -3.237125

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

9m

Marine Protected Area: South Walney and Piel Channel Flats